Double Rock (Futago-iwa) - Japan Diving
Site Overview
Double Rock (Futago-iwa) is a distinctive twin rock formation off the southern coast of Yonaguni Island featuring two prominent coral-covered pinnacles rising from twenty-two metres to five metres depth. The twin formations create a unique underwater landscape with a swim-through channel between the rocks at twelve metres depth providing exciting exploration opportunities. Both pinnacles are encrusted with healthy coral communities including staghorn thickets table corals and soft corals creating vibrant vertical gardens that shelter hundreds of tropical fish species. The swim-through channel is wide enough for comfortable passage while observing the coral colonisation on both walls. Green sea turtles regularly rest on the shallow ledges while schooling fish create constant movement in the water column between the rocks. The site's accessible depth range and gentle conditions make it one of Yonaguni's most popular sites for all certification levels. The twin formations provide excellent navigation references and the swim-through adds adventure without requiring advanced skills. The clear Yonaguni waters ensure good visibility allowing full appreciation of the unique geological formation and its marine life communities. The proximity to the main harbour ensures short boat rides making it convenient for multi-dive days. The clear Yonaguni waters ensure good visibility allowing full appreciation of the unique geological formation and its marine life communities throughout the dive profile. The proximity to the main harbour ensures short boat rides making it convenient for multi-dive days and an excellent choice for the first or last dive of a Yonaguni diving trip when time is limited.
Dive Briefing
"Descend on the mooring line to the upper section of the first pinnacle at ten metres and circumnavigate the rock observing the coral coverage. Swim through the channel between the two rocks at twelve metres depth observing the coral colonisation on both walls. Continue to the second pinnacle and circumnavigate at your planned depth before ascending along the mooring line for a safety stop at five metres. Continue to the second pinnacle and circumnavigate at your planned depth observing the different coral communities and marine life on each rock formation. The deeper sections at eighteen to twenty-two metres feature scattered bommies on sand with garden eels and stingrays. Ascend along the mooring line for a safety stop at five metres observing the shallow reef community and juvenile fish nurseries. Throughout the dive maintain awareness of your buddy position buoyancy control and depth gauge readings while observing the diverse marine communities and geological formations that make this site a rewarding destination for divers of all experience levels visiting the region during the optimal diving season."
Signature Marine Life
Clown anemonefish
Amphiprion ocellaris
Best: January, February, March
Green sea turtle
Chelonia mydas
Best: March, April, May
Humphead wrasse
Cheilinus undulatus
Best: March, April, May
Blue-spotted stingray
Taeniura lymma
Best: January, February, March
Giant moray eel
Gymnothorax javanicus
Best: January, February, March
Safety & Hazards
- Strong Kuroshio Current influence creating unpredictable drift conditions on outer reef dives
- Boat traffic from dive boats fishing vessels and glass-bottom tour boats in popular coastal areas
- Seasonal typhoon activity from July through October requiring constant weather monitoring and trip flexibility
- Venomous stonefish and sea snakes present on reefs requiring careful buoyancy and no-touch policies
- Coral contact risk on shallow reef dives requiring excellent buoyancy control to protect fragile formations
Traveler Notes
Who is this for?
Double Rock is suitable for all certification levels with accessible depth and gentle conditions. Beginners will enjoy the exciting swim-through and shallow coral exploration. The site is ideal for training dives and families with easy conditions and abundant marine life. Photographers will find excellent opportunities with the unique twin formation and diverse coral communities. The site is ideal for training dives and families with easy conditions and abundant marine life visible at comfortable depths. Photographers will find excellent opportunities with the unique twin formation providing dramatic framing and diverse coral communities supporting both wide-angle and macro photography subjects throughout the dive.
Quick Stats
Dive Logistics
- Bluefield Yomitan
- Diving Service Uminchu
- Kerama Divers
- Pirania Divers Okinawa
- Sea Serpent Dive Center
Photography Info
Best for: wide_angle
Nearby Stay
Hotel Yonaguni
Yonaguni, Okinawa • 2km away
Divers Inn Yonaguni
Yonaguni, Okinawa • 1km away